Congressman Sander Levin

Dear Chaiman Spratt and Ranking Member Ryan:

In President Bush's proposed budget for fiscal year 2009, funding for the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) was reduced drastically, from $950 million
appropriated in FY 2008 to $200 million requested in FY 2009. We believe that the
President's proposal hurts our communities as they protect themselves from manmade and natural disasters. We urge your committee to increase funding for SHSGP in the coming budget resolution.

SHSGP is one of the most flexible and useful grant programs the Department of
Homeland Security administers. Under SHSGP, states may direct grants to local law
enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, and other preparedness
stakeholders to address a wide anay of terrorism prevention and emergency management activities. Through this program, states disburse funds to purchase specialized equipment, conduct training and exercises, and protect critical infrastructure. They also may use funds to modify homeland security strategies to remain compliant with everchanging federal guidelines. More than any other DHS grant program, SHSGP may be adapted to meet the individual needs of each state and community. If the President's cuts remain, many priority projects will lose funding because they may be ineligible for other federal grants.

Last year Congress appropriated more dollars for SHSGP than any other DHS grant
program because the program is so effective and important. We believe that SHSGP is a wise investment in our nation's security. Restoring adequate funding for SHSGP will
strengthen our communities and enable them to expand their capabilities to prepare for and respond to any emergency situation.

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